Last Saturday St Andrew’s Church, Kildwick was filled with 160 family and friends of the Reverend Canon Edward Gee as he celebrated the Ruby Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood.

Ordained in Wakefield Cathedral in 1962, Edward Gee served in four parishes in the Wakefield diocese until his retirement 10 years ago. His first parish, following ordination was Hanging Heaton, where his Vicar was Canon Keith Grain. Edward and Keith and their families have remained life long friends and now live next door to each other in retirement in Glusburn. Edward’s last parish was Castleford where he was Rector for 8 years.

The preacher at the service last Saturday was the Venerable Ken Unwin, formerly Archdeacon of Pontefract, who spoke warmly of Edward’s many gifts as a Priest.

Mr Gee said, ‘Marjorie, my wife, and I have been very happy in all four parishes where we have served and are thankful to have been surrounded and supported by so many good friends. We are grateful to God forall those happy years. We continue to be blessed in our retirement as we share in the life of St Andrew’s, Kildwick’.

A collection was taken at the service that amounted to just over £500. This will be given equally to the charities Work Aid, which Mr Gee has supported for some years, and Harvest Help, which St Andrew’s Church is supporting this year at harvest time.

The picture shows Canon Edward Gee (centre) with the Venerable Ken Unwin (right) and the Reverend David Wheatley (left)